And I assume renting in the US these days means you'll need a 2xMonth bond in addition to your normal rent in advance, like here, meaning you need savings of 3xMonthly-rent to even consider moving, probably more unless you intend to move using a borrowed shopping trolly.

Depends on the place but plenty of properties I’ve seen are one month in advance. Arguably still rough but not the 3x in advance kind of rough

Not defending the $2000 rule, but there are charities that will give you move in costs if you are on SSI and bring them a lease agreement.

Which is an utter failure. The government has set the limit so low that people who take the assistance much rely on the grace of others or become homeless. The limit should be set to the federal poverty level. Having assets that amount to literal poverty wages is not wealth building or cheating the system and would make life possible. Setting it to take would be appalling as well, but at least defendable. I have no idea how anyone even came up with the 2K number. I assume the federal poverty rate on a monthly level, but people should be allowed to have savings.

The asset limit hasn't been updated in 50 years. It would be almost 10k if it kept up with inflation

Better be careful though, sounds like lots of help like that counts as 'income' so will screw with your ssi check too.

No, a charitable donation that does not recur is not considered income. (Ditto financial aid for students.)